ROGERS -- Architects working on renovating the Lane Hotel received approval to close sidewalks and parking spots for construction during a Tuesday Transportation Committee meeting.
John Mack, JKJ Architects principal, said hazardous waste abatement could start at the building Nov. 25.
The 1928 hotel is considered a landmark for the city. It has sat vacant since 2003.
KLS Leasing of Delaware purchased the building June 30 from Ninety Second LP, a New Jersey company, according to Benton County deed documents. County documents also show KLS Leasing used a Post Office box often used by Walton family entities such as the Walton Family Foundation.
Mack said the abatement process could take up to two weeks. He said parking spaces and the sidewalk along South Second Street in front of the hotel will need to be closed during the process. Bins to hold the waste will be in this area, he said.
Parking and sidewalks on Poplar Street will need to be closed following the abatement process, Mack said. He said a four-week demolition process will start at that time.
General construction will start in January, Mack said. He said construction will take about 52 weeks.
Mack said the plan is to have the building completed by the end of 2016. He said time-lines can be difficult to set with older buildings.
Transportation Committee members approved the closing the sidewalks and parking spots for the abatement and demolition. The motion stated the areas could also be closed for the construction project contingent on further approval for the city's staff attorney.
"I have never had a request for that length of a time period before," Mark Kruger said.
Kruger said it was unlikely there would be a problem with closing the street. He said it was prudent to verify before giving a full approval.
Mayor Greg Hines said it's understandable the project would need extra space.
"It is a huge project," Hines said. "You are talking about a large building and bringing it up to code while respecting its history. It may be a little painful for some people but at the end of the day I don't think there is one person who won't be excited about this."
Hines said he hasn't been informed about what the use of the building will be. Mack said the owner has asked him to not reveal the use.
The five-story building was built in a Spanish Colonial design, according to city's website. It states aviator Amelia Earhart, boxer Jack Dempsey and actor Errol Flynn were a few famous occupants of the hotel. It was once known as the "Palace of the Ozarks."
The hotel has had several uses over the years, most recently as a retirement home. It also has had several different names including Harris Hotel and Hotel Arkansas.
NW News on 11/11/2015